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Good passive P bass pickup for me

B

BoomingBass

Apr 11, 2010
181
4
#1
I want to upgrade my p bass by replacing the pickups. I would like something warm but not muddy, I hate mud. I want lots of low end but with clarity. A bit of earthiness while still maintaining the classic p bass tone would be nice. I play jazz, prog metal, and I'm not sure if this helps, but I generally dislike the tone of j bass pickups.

Thanks in advance
 
#2
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This is not commonly suggested on these forums for your specific inquiry, but I had a slightly similar need and found my tone needs met with the Delano PC 4 AL. Vintage and clear at the same time, if that makes any sense to you. Incredibly awesome P bass sound with clear note definition, not modern sounding, but GOOD sounding.
 
#7
All of those are good, also the P by Jason Lollar. My experience with the Delano P has been exceptional in nailing both warmth and clarity on a classic styled pickup. Seymour Duncan Basslines SPB-1 might be worth mentioning, as it's inexpensive and also supposed to have a nice treble along with the warmth.
 
#10
thrashingbass said:
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This is not commonly suggested on these forums for your specific inquiry, but I had a slightly similar need and found my tone needs met with the Delano PC 4 AL. Vintage and clear at the same time, if that makes any sense to you. Incredibly awesome P bass sound with clear note definition, not modern sounding, but GOOD sounding.
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Why'd you link J pickups?

Anybody else have experience with these? they look interesting
Invalid Link Removed
 
#12
For your described goals, I'll join the chorus for Lindy Fralin. Vintage warmth, clarity, and gritty punch. Does it all, really. The only split-coil I like as much is the G&L MFD, which is simply monstrous. It has deeper lows and much higher output than the Fralin. I'm glad I have both. :D
 
#13
I thought I had the right link, so I apologize. I meant to link the PC 4 AL. The one you are pointing out is more popular, and common opinion is that it's excellent. I have two Delanos, but not that one. Many of our users have it, though. Delano makes great sounding pickups (and so do the above brands and others) and you probably won't be disappointed. I know I love mine.
 
#15
BoomingBass said:
I'm also interested in what the Delano xtender series pickups are about. Do they need special routing? what's different about them?
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I'm positive they require a special routing. Have you ever seen them?
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I haven't heard them or seen what they look like under the casing, but it'd be interesting to see.
 
#16
Some sound clips on the Delano website. Brian from bestbassgear.com sells the routing templates. If I had unlimited resources, I would have a precision bass with that pickup in the middle, all passive.

Bear in mind that this won't be a classic p bass sound (which was why I suggested the Delano vintage P), but it will be an excellent tone.
 
#20
Yep, I just forgot the name! I think they will be more than clear enough while giving you a huge bottom. If not satisfied, I am sure they will sell relatively well. I doubt you'll dislike them.

I mentioned the PC 4 HE/M2 because I believe they are soapbarish, hifi pickups. Might not be "classic" enough for you, but my recent experience with the true Delano soapbar (SBC series) was also a great one. These pickups just sound great, hifi without sounding "artificial", which is hard to achieve. Articulate and "natural" ("organic") bass tone, highly transparent as well.

I think you are leaning for the PMVC, and I wouldn't find fault with that.:P I haven't tried them, but many users here swear by them. It must be a great tone! There are also a few clips on YouTube, I think. I am satisfied with their vintage model myself.
 

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